Applying your makeup every day can be a labour of love. While there are days when spending 30 minutes in front of the bathroom mirror, perfecting your brows, highlight, contour and lipstick is your idea of the perfect start to the morning, there are others when even slapping on some tinted moisturiser feels like too much to ask.

That’s why, regardless of your makeup mood, you want to ensure the products you do take the time apply stick around all day long. Unfortunately, the chances of that happening for those with oily skin types is often an uphill battle as your face tends to become decidedly greasy and shiny well before lunchtime.

To avoid a makeup mess, we spoke to Global Artistry Director at NARS, Jane Richardson for her five top makeup tips for tackling oily skin.

#1 / Learn the difference

Before you start to manage oily skin, you must first find out whether you actually have an oily skin type. While this may seem obvious, Richardson explains that “some people think they have oily skin when they really don’t. Sometimes they have combination skin and in my experience as working as a beauty therapist, I’ve seen thousands of women come through my salon and I’ve only seen two with oily skin in my lifetime”.

If you’re unsure as to what defines an oily skin, Richardson explains, “oily skin looks thicker, it’s greyer and there is literally a film of oil right on top of it.” She also stresses it’s important not to make the mistake of thinking “the natural, normal protected layer of moisture on the skin is oil.

#2 / Start with your skin care

Richardson explains that even if you have the best makeup products and techniques in the world, if you’re not using the correct skin care products for your skin type, you could be wasting your money. She suggests oily skin types steer clear of skin care products that boast brightening or illuminating properties.

#3 / Avoid creamy textures

While opting for long-wearing, oil-free products are the obvious choice for oily skin, Richardson also says that it’s important to stay away from creamy textures such as a cream contour, highlighter or blush as they tend to sit right on the base of the pore and show up quite obviously on those with oily skin.

#4 / Opt for light-diffusing products

Like with the skin care products you choose, Richardson recommends avoiding illuminating makeup products and instead opting for beauty buys that boast light-diffusing or mattifying effects. Primers are a great first step - we suggest trying Laura Mercier Foundation Primer – Oil-Free, NARS Pore & Shine Control Primer and Rimmel London Lasting Finish Primer.

#5 / Perfect your powder technique

Perhaps the best and most effective way to keep oil in check is by applying a powder to set and mattify your face. To get the most out of your powder, Richardson suggests opting for loose powder formulations as pressed powders can show up more easily on the skin.

She then recommends “pushing, rocking and rolling” the loose powder into your skin over and over. According to Richardson, you don’t need to fear over-doing it as ”the more powder you use, the softer your skin will look, and the longer your makeup will last”. “After 45 minutes to an hour your skin’s warmth and natural oils will let your makeup settle in and then by the afternoon you’ll suddenly realise you haven’t had to run to the bathroom to re-powder!”

If you have oily skin, you may be tempted to steer clear of oils altogether. Click here to find out why using an oil on your oily skin can actually be beneficial.

Do you have a Holy Grail setting powder? Share it with us in the comments below.

Image credit: Getty